For Jorge - help bring back the million dollar smile!

$4,717 donated

Given by 76 generous donors in around 6 months

Jorge. The little Colombian guy with the impossibly big smile is sick and far from home. But you can help getting his family by his side.

Auckland

+8 images

Jorge. The little guy with the impossibly big smile is sick. And that smile, if it could, has gone quiet.

So far Jorge has been inundated with hundreds of messages and well wishes. From around Auckland, from Queenstown and from across the world, the love has poured out for Jorge and his smile. And we are sure that Jorge is feeling all this love.

Nonetheless Jorge has a massive battle on his hands. Jorge has already had two surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain. And while all the doctors and nurses at Auckland Hospital are giving him wonderful care, there’s someone’s care they cannot replicate. That is, of course, the care of his Mum.

Mum, however, is getting ready to come and be at his side. But it’s not easy, as many of you will know, for Colombians to travel to NZ.

That said, we can all help get Mum here. We can help with her costs to get her here. And we can help cover any additional costs of Jorge’s medical care.

So friends we ask you to give a little to help bring back Jorge and his impossibly big smile. Thank you and god bless!

Fernanda Penny's involvement (page creator)

Mark, my husband and I are Jorge’s closest friends in NZ. We have been supporting him in the absence of his family who are back in Colombia. This page will help unite Jorge with family during this difficult period.

Use of funds

Firstly, the funds raised will go towards bringing Jorge’s mother and nephew to NZ and to help cover their costs while they are here. After that the funds will go towards Jorge’s care and recovery. Any surplus will be given to charity.

Latest update

Mark Jorge’s Kiwi Friend 17 August 2018

4 very long weeks on, it has been intensely frustrating and exhausting coping with all of the paperwork, interviews with endless doctors, nurses, specialists, Southern Cross insurance, Immigration, the Colombian embassy, etc, etc, etc. “the Privacy Act”!!!, No one would talk without Jorge’s permission which we had, but he was unconscious at times and unable to give it on demand. We got by…….Also having to help him wash, do his washing and cope with his requirements food wise etc has been very demanding. The nurses do a great job but they can’t do everything that is required. I can’t thank Fernanda Penny, her husband Nathan and Jose (Fernanda’s son) for their assistance with the above tasks which were completed without the bat of an eyelid. None of this would have happened without them. “Dios te bendiga”.

Jorge never ceases to amaze us, the doctors, nurses and all of his friends with his delightful charm, witty humor and downright tenacious attitude towards getting himself back on track.

He really “is” one in a million.

When he will be able to return to my home is unsure at this stage. His left side is not behaving as it should but we are hoping full usage will return as he is Left handed and a highly qualified computer software developer. Please feel free to visit him at 182 Whangaparaoa Rd, Red Beach.

Hopefully, Jorge’s mother will be here soon. Senora Libia speaks very little English but Jorge can translate to her very well. I’m sure she will get the gist of your intention anyway.

As Colombia does not have a “friendly” agreement with New Zealand, getting Visa’s etc has been “trying” to say the least. Things take a while to happen in Colombia. I believe Senora Libia has her Visa now and will soon be “winging” her way to NZ to see her beloved son.Thank you for your support for Jorge. It has been a hell of a ride but the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter thanks to people like you.

Thank you immensely,

Mark, Fernanda, Jose, Nathan, family and supporters.

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